Rebels utility back James O'Connor has revealed that he is determined to battle Kurtley Beale for the Super Rugby franchise's number 10 jersey.
O'Connor was ruled out of the Wallabies' end-of-year tour to Europe with a troublesome hamstring even though he came agonisingly close to being included in coach Robbie Deans' squad.
"I've been running at 100 per cent but there was something that didn't feel right and I got a scan which showed some swelling and bleeding," he told the Sydney Morning Herald.
The latest injury setback means O'Connor won't play again until early in February rather than risk any long-term damage especially with the British and Irish Lions' tour of Australia looming.
"It's been tough because I thought I'd be back but I think it's the right decision," he said.
O'Connor admits that he fancies the fly-half role with the Melbourne-based outfit but is also prepared to play at inside centre, wing or full-back.
He knows, however, that Beale has impressed in the pivot position for the Wallabies recently and will also be keen to start in the Rebels' number 10 jersey.
"There will definitely be some competition," said O'Connor.
"I think I play best in the team where there's two ball-players - no more because then it gets a bit clouded.
"Kurtley's been playing really well at 10 but I'll definitely be pushing for that position and I think we'll fit in quite nicely in a 10-15 combo or 10-12 combo."
Apart from the duo the Rebels will also have Wallabies scrum-half Nick Phipps and wing Cooper Vuna, who is returning from shoulder surgery, in their ranks while big centre Mitch Inman could also be challenging for higher honours next year.
"It's looking good on paper so, if we can get that connection going together, the core group is one of the best I've played in as a team so it's exciting times," O'Connor said.
Comments
cuw3100 says...
hmmm interesting how memory fades faster in the information overload era.
Seems many have forgotten KB's performance at FB in the 4 Nations :)
At that time everyone thought he lost it for the OZ.
Suddenly he is the best 15 and JOC the best FH!!!
Posted 05:38 05th November 2012
notajokebok says...
@ kiwilad....
overrated ? thats why the NZRU tried to poach him hey ?
Posted 13:23 04th November 2012
Piriaka says...
Gotta stop taking that Swisse stuff!! He has been crook ever since he has been advertising the stuff!! And that poof type new haircut??
Posted 14:10 03rd November 2012
jonesy2 says...
JOC at 10 and KB at 15. thats their best positions. oconnor is the best player in the world in terms of being amazing at multiple positions but he needs to stick to one.
Posted 07:23 03rd November 2012
Kiwikev says...
This is where Dingo should play Justin...KB at 15!
Posted 00:24 01st November 2012
Jonathan1 says...
Not good enough to play 10 yet. Has a lot of work to do. This was obvious when he played there for the wallabies last year on the end of year tour. Needs a full season at 10 with melbourne for a start
Posted 23:32 31st October 2012
JayStarr says...
I think James's best position is 10 - when he is on form he is incredible at fly-half. Look at what he managed to do at the Force. Beale is very good at 10, but I think he has been at his most dangerous from full-back, so that is their logical positions as far as I'm concerned.
Posted 10:42 31st October 2012
kiwilad says...
Another overhyped, overrated Aussie?
Ego bigger than his talent?
Mrs Bieber still looking for him?
Posted 22:57 30th October 2012
melkdave says...
Looks like interesting times next season for thr Rebels lol.Personnally i dont think either of them are top class FHs .Beales done ok for the wobblies ,but hardly spectacular or near DCs usual class .Myself i feel C.Leanifarno (sorry for spelling lol) will be the long term wobblies FH when he gets fit
Posted 16:45 30th October 2012
ChiefDC says...
James o'connor should go back to fullback if he really wants a permanent home on the wallabies,if he stays there,i don't think he'll have to shuffle positions every week. Besides at 10 he doesn't really lead the backline like cooper or beale,he just runs with the ball.
Posted 15:18 30th October 2012
Ramage says...
Hmm thats generous of you James. Hope you realise that there is a coach who is picking the side and who may have some other ideas. Never mind, dont you belong to the Quade Cooper brigade of players? You know all the ones who self promote and to hell with the team.
Posted 13:17 30th October 2012